BIG LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL HIGH HONORS STUDENTS were recognized Friday, along with all the students who showed the most improvements in their grades. (Photos by Jennifer Edwards).

BLMS recognizes academic all-stars

Fri, 06/13/2014 - 9:44amadmin

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Staff Writer

Jennifer Edwards

Big Lake Middle School recognized their Minnesota Academic All-Stars Friday before school was dismissed for the summer.

“The middle school has undergone many changes this year,” said Principal Mark Ernst. “We set out last August, taking on some huge challenges and asking that we show our Hornet Pride every day as we walk the Hornet Way.”

But students and teachers rose to the challenge, reducing discipline referrals by almost 70%, Ernst said. “I believe you get what you expect,” said Ernst. “With those expectations we have been able to add back 1,300 hours of instructional time.”

Another area the school set out to improve was its image, said Ernst.

“It is impressive to walk down the hallways here and see how clean and neat the school is. From the floors to the bulletin boards on the wall, this place beams with Hornet Pride.”

Student growth in learning in all grades in math and reading showed significant improvements, said Ernst.

“This year we’ve been able to have a combined growth across all grades in math and reading of 37 percentage points,” he said. “And I am excited to tell all of you we more than tripled our goal in reading and almost tripled out goal in math. Three times what we set out to is incredible. It’s hard work and you’ve all risen to the challenge.”

There were 128 students who were recognized for having a GPA of 3.5 or higher during the first two trimesters of the year. These students received medals. Of those, 84 had a GPA of 4.0 or better. These students received medals and a pin.

Students with a GPA of 3.9 or better are invited to attend the Gathering of Champions at the Mall of America Aug. 1 at 10 a.m.

“Sixth grader Joey Gorlove made the most growth over the year,” said Ernst.

All the students who had made improvements had their names entered into a drawing to win one of two bikes donated by Horace Mann, thanks to Patrick Michaud. Bike winners were Ben Beckers and Sam Harrer,

Alexander Hugh Prom, who read the morning announcements on the school’s morning show each day, was given the Principal’s Award.

“We had to hold auditions to see who would replace him next year,” said Assistant Principal Paula Foley.

Alex handed his joke books off to Jenna Wedlandt and Trent Ramert, who will announce the news of the day when school resumes in September.

Students honored Brenda Hill, who retired from her role in the front office after 22 years working for the school district. She was presented with a sash, paper crown and flowers.

“A special thanks goes to Emily Hartfiel Kristen Shaw and Ms. Larson for cutting and sewing the stage skirt,” Principal Ernst said. “In addition, Glenn Litwiller and the rest of the custodial staff deserve recognition for their efforts in getting the gym ready.”

Principal Ernst closed the proceedings by thanking all the parents for attending.

photos

FIGHTING DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS. State plant health specialists Angie Ambourn, center, and Jennifer Dippel took part in a presentation on the emerald ash borer (EAB) in Elk River Monday morning. The state is partnering with the Sherburne Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) in an effort to slow the spread of the insects, which include a survey in which volunteers look for increased woodpecker activity and other natural signs that could indicate an EAB infestation. (Photos by David Hannula)